Hiring a Houston divorce attorney is helpful even when you have an amicable relationship with your former partner. Attorneys can offer objectivity, give you legal advice, and help you deal with the divorce paperwork. There are certain situations where having a lawyer by your side becomes even more important, especially if you have issues that you and your former partner can’t agree on.
5 Situations to Hire a Houston Divorce Attorney
1. You Have Children
If there are children involved, then you definitely need an attorney by your side. Children can significantly complicate even the simplest divorce. Having an attorney helps you and your partner come up with a custody arrangement that suits both of you as much as possible and, most importantly, is in the best interests of your children.
If there are problems that make your former spouse an unfit parent, then having an attorney by your side is even more important. It’s also vital to have an experienced lawyer working with you if your former partner is attempting to gain sole custody of the children when it’s not in the children’s best interests.
2. Your Relationship Has a History of Abuse
When a relationship has a history of domestic abuse or child abuse, then hiring a lawyer experienced in dealing with these issues is essential. It’s extremely likely that your divorce is going to be complicated and emotionally draining. Keep yourself safe by working with an experienced attorney. If your attorney can help you obtain counseling and any other services you need during your divorce, that’s even more helpful.
3. You’ve Been Served
Couples don’t always decide to get divorced together. You may agree to separate with the intent to discuss divorce further down the line, but then your former spouse serves you with divorce papers unexpectedly. As soon as you get the papers, it’s time to start looking for an attorney.
4. You Have High-Value Assets
Every marriage typically has some assets involved. The higher value these assets are, the more complicated the divorce can get. You can visit this website to learn more about high-asset divorces and get in contact with an attorney.
In Texas, assets are split up in a way that’s “just and right.” Often, assets are divided equally between the spouses. However, splitting the property equally isn’t always “just and right.” One spouse may be entitled to more of the assets than the other spouse. Attorneys work to help you resolve disputes and determine how to divide your assets equitably. They may also help you prove certain assets are separate property in the divorce, if applicable.
5. You Need Help Understanding the Divorce Proceedings
Divorces can be confusing for everyone involved, and you may need help understanding certain terms and legalities. You need to know what grounds you have for getting divorced, for example. A lawyer can help you learn about what the grounds for divorce in Texas are, and they can explain the legal proceedings to you in detail. They can also help you figure out if a no-fault divorce is the right option for you.
Conclusion
Having an attorney by your side is helpful during any divorce, and some situations make an attorney’s help invaluable. If you have children, high-value assets, or other complications in your divorce, then you should call an attorney before you begin divorce proceedings.
